Cracow City Guide - Getting Around

Cracow is served by a network of bus and tram routes operated by MPK (tel: (012) 9150; website: www.mpk.krakow.pl) between 0500 and 2300. Local trains serve the outer suburbs.

Bus and tram tickets are cheap, but if a change of vehicle is required, it is better to buy a one-hour ticket. The charge for buses that cross the city limits is higher. Night buses are also available. Tickets may be purchased at kiosks or at retail outlets or from the driver (although this costs extra). Tickets should be punched in the boxes inside the bus or tram. A ticket must be punched for each large piece of luggage (free with a pass).

Passes are available for one, two or three days and for one month. Students will be offered a reduction on standard prices upon presentation of an ISIC card. Anyone caught without a valid ticket will receive an on-the-spot fine.

Taxis are metered and can be found at taxi ranks, which are located in most of the squares on the perimeter of the Old Town. Alternatively, taxis can be hailed on the street - those with a hail-light and displaying a telephone number and company name usually charge reasonable rates. Others are to be avoided.

However, it is usually cheapest to order a taxi by telephone. Reputable companies include: Barbakan Taxi (tel: (012) 9661), Express Taxi (tel: (012) 9629), Mega Taxi (tel: (012) 9625) and Wawel Taxi (tel: (012) 9666). It is a good idea to check how much the trip will cost before entering the taxi. Rates go up after 2200 and on Sundays. There is no baggage charge and a tip of 10% is appreciated.

The city centre is mostly closed to traffic and there are only a few car parks in the immediate vicinity. There is one near Wawel on ulica Powisle, and others on ulica Karmelicka, plac Biskupi and plac Szczepanski. Parking is charged by the hour or by the day, but it is often difficult to find a space. Visitors may be able to get a temporary parking permit from their hotel. It may also be possible for non-guests to get a space at one of the Orbis hotels (Continental, Cracovia or Wanda). Parking on the street can be problematic due to the various parking restrictions, especially near the centre. Traffic can be heavy and this is exacerbated by narrow streets and trams. Traffic jams regularly occur on the ring of the Aleje, which encircles the Planty.

Both Avis, ulica Lubicz 23 (tel: (012) 629 6108; website: www.avis.com), and Hertz, Hotel Cracovia, aleja Focha 1 (tel: (012) 429 6262; website: www.hertz.com), have rental offices in the city. Other operators include Budget, ulica Radzikowskiego 99/101 (tel: (012) 637 0089; website: www.budgetrentacar.com), and Joka, ulica Starowislna 13 (tel: (012) 429 6630; website: www.joka.com.pl). National also have a desk at the airport (tel: (012) 639 3286; website: www.nationalcar.com.pl).

Drivers must be at least 23 years old and have a valid driver's licence and International Driving Permit.

The branch of the Jordan Tourist Bureau, ulica Dluga 9 (tel: (012) 421 2125), provides bicycles for hire. A passport and a deposit are required.